Fairly new walker

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by Boddie

It could be down to your shoes.
Not cheap but will last a lifetime

Good fitting boots or walking shoes, (along with quality socks), are essential.....but there isn't one single pair on the market that will last a life time - if they are used regularly.


Daisy....

The soles can wear down, sooner than you think if walks/climbs are primarily done on rocky terrain. (Vibram soles are best for durability and grip).
Lack of sole thickness can lead to tenderness/soreness and even blisters underneath the feet, so it's important to keep an eye on the depth of tread.

If you intend to walk in the Lakes regularly, you may need to choose a mid/heavy weight boot/shoe that can cope with that sort of terrain.

Here in the Peaks, where I don't spend significant amounts of time walking on rock, a pair of light/mid weight boots is sufficient.
That said, I send most of the Spring/Summer walking in North Face Hedgehog shoes, which have been an absolute delight to walk in!

Best wishes,

Tracey

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by sunnydale

Good fitting boots or walking shoes, (along with quality socks), are essential.....but there isn't one single pair on the market that will last a life time - if they are used regularly.


Daisy....

The soles can wear down, sooner than you think if walks/climbs are primarily done on rocky terrain. (Vibram soles are best for durability and grip).
Lack of sole thickness can lead to tenderness/soreness and even blisters underneath the feet, so it's important to keep an eye on the depth of tread.

If you intend to walk in the Lakes regularly, you may need to choose a mid/heavy weight boot/shoe that can cope with that sort of terrain.

Here in the Peaks, where I don't spend significant amounts of time walking on rock, a pair of light/mid weight boots is sufficient.
That said, I send most of the Spring/Summer walking in North Face Hedgehog shoes, which have been an absolute delight to walk in!

Best wishes,

Tracey

OP hasn't walked for 30 years. This tells me that they are not 21 years old. Their knees sound shot to bits, so I am guessing we are not talking about someone about to tackle Marathon Des Sables every day.
I think it is fair to say that their Altberg boots (other brands are available), would not have to be replaced, in their lifetime.

[happyhiker]

Without any doubt at all, a pair of walking poles will help you greatly. It is the steep descents which hurt the knees and the Fairfield Horseshoe has some very steep descents. The ascents are not bad for knees but poles will just make ascents easier - think 4 wheel drive! But, and it is a big but, you have to use them properly. You need to apply pressure to them, not just tap them about and learn to walk using opposite action - i.e. left foot forward,right pole forward. It feels strange at first but you eventually find it a natural rytham. Poles should be longer for descent and shorter for ascent and even different lenghts if traversing a slope. You must use two poles. One is a waste of time unless you have only one bad leg.

I started to have knee problems on descents some years ago and having thought poles were for posers, took the offer of a friend to try his. Result - amazing. I never now walk steep terrain without them. Hope this helps.

happyhiker.co.uk

[foxy mars]

Yes, poles are a must. Not only good for walking, but other uses, such as crossing becks or streams, cutting back overgrown weeds or warding off dogs or cows.

The Leki poles are good, although, someone the Hi-Gear are good for starting off with and see what there are like, without forking out a lot of money.

Indeed, the poles will no doubt help the knees, taking pressure off the joints.

[Daisygee]

Wow! Thank you all so much for your concerned replies and advice. You'll be pleased to know that my knees are now absolutely fine, so I'm hopeful that it was a temporary thing. I want to make sure that it doesn't happen again, though, so a trip to the doc's is in order, just to get them checked, and maybe those glucosamine tablets for the ageing joints might be on the cards....
I was given poles by the walk leader for the second day's walk, which I found to help enormously, and they seem to me to be an essential part of any walker's kit. (The walk leader is a young, fit individual, and he used his poles on the descents too, so, well, basically what is good for the leader, is good for the follower, I reckon).
I think my boots are fine, but a couple of you have mentioned them so maybe I need to re-investigate those. I did a practice walk of about 12 miles a couple of weekends ago, and had no problems at all. That was mostly on the flat though.
Thanks again everyone - this is great!

[sunnydale]

Originally Posted by Daisygee

You'll be pleased to know that my knees are now absolutely fine,!

Originally Posted by Boddie

OP hasn't walked for 30 years. Their knees sound shot to bits,.

Hmmm, evidently not!

[Daisygee]

I actually did think they were 'shot to bits'! The pain was terrible, and I was very worried there for a while. It's like a miracle now - no pain whatsoever, and everything back to normal. The wonders of the human body......

[Boddie]

I think you'd be wise to get them looked at Daisy.

Just for piece of mind and so as not to aggravate anything further

[Daisygee]

Yes, good idea - I intend to, thank you. And then I can hopefully concentrate on strengthening them!